our general is newer than yours…..

WASHINGTON, April 27 (UPI) — A former U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker pilot has joined one of the two companies competing for a government contract to replace the fleet, officials said.

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Arthur Lichte is, as of Friday, on the board of directors at EADS North America, one of the companies competing for a $35 billion contract to replace the aging KC-135 fleet, Defense News reports.

Lichte is a former KC-135 pilot and repeatedly called for a replacement for the KC-135 when he served as the head of the U.S. Air Mobility Command from September 2007 until November 2009.

Ralph Crosby, the chairman of EADS North America, said Lichte’s military experience made him a valuable addition to the board of directors.

“General Lichte’s leadership experience in command positions at squadron, group and wing levels — as well as commander of the Air Mobility Command — will provide valuable perspectives,” he said.

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Tony Richardson, who also served as the commander of the AMC from August 1998 to December 2001, serves as an executive at Boeing Co., which is also competing for the $35 billion contract.

Eh, just a small point: LE Ciara is also a Peacock class patrol boat, same as the ones used by the Philippines Navy – do I get half marks?:D

And should 1 and 2 be switched? The crane and RIB on the Peacock (no. 1) and the wheelhouse of the Orca class (no. 2).

actually, it looks to me that it’s the first time that in a country the ones who are supposed to make such a decision are the last to decide. usually, the military test, make a report and then politicians decide what is best in their opinion for their nation (officially at least) and that’s it. Here, everybody and his uncle in brasil seems suddenly to be an expert whose opinion must be taken into account for buying fighter planes…

Unique…

Well, everybody and his uncle are going to be paying for them….. 🙂

Is the last one the Jamaican Coast Guard Cutter, the Damen Stan 4207 design?

DoD: Tanker Deadline Can Slip If EADS Will Bid

Pentagon officials will extend the bidding deadline 60 days – to mid-July – if EADS formally declares its intent to bid on the U.S Air Force tanker program, DoD spokesman Geoff Morell said at a press conference March 31.

If an extension happens, Morell said, the Air Force was willing to compress the evaluation process in order to meet the original planned contract-award date of early fall.
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Might have the wrong pic there Tango

Keep up the good work!

Could both the Rafale M and the F/A-18E/F launch using the ramp rather than a steam catapult?

1. German Brandenburg class frigate?
2. Norwegian Hauk class patrol boat?
3. Dutch M-class frigate